Such is the power of colour to transform a home that the shades you choose will be the most significant decision you make when doing up your house.

Colour is available to everyone, at relatively little expense, and is the most powerful tool in the interior design armoury.

No decorative ingredient transforms a space with as much gusto as colour.

I use it to manipulate the sense of space in a room, making it feel more airy, or more cosy, to hide defects or to draw down very high ceilings.

Similarly, I employ it to create a mood: tranquil, energetic, formal or casual, or to harmonise a group of objects or to emphasise architectural features.

My favourite colour is red in its numerous guises – from crimson to purple, orange to terracotta through to a raspberry reds and fuchsia pinks. I find it extremely versatile; depending on the shade selected it can be vibrant, glamorous and sexy, or it can be warm, snug and comforting.

One of the most popular ways of introducing colour into a scheme is by painting a feature wall in a bold colour that contrasts distinctly with the rest of the scheme.

Feature walls are not the latest thing is terms of trendy new design fads, but, the truth is, they’re easy to execute and look very effective.

I tend to avoid trends, unless a client specifically wants the latest look, as tried and tested techniques generally have greater longevity.

In large rooms strong colours will appear even brighter than in a smaller space, so it’s worth bearing that in mind when selecting paint colours in case the effect that’s created is overwhelming.

Strong colours in small spaces are a safer bet, strange though this may seem. In bathrooms, cloakrooms or studies, the effect of a powerful shade is cosy rather than oppressive.

Some of the well-known paint companies have useful information on how to put colour schemes together, giving a handy insight into the way in which various shades bounce off one another.

Have a look at Crown – www.crownpaint.co.uk and Farrow and Ball’s Inspirations section – www.farrow-ball.com.

Fabrics are another way of introducing dollops of colour into a scheme.

You can keep the backdrop very simple – plain flooring, sofas and chairs provide a blank canvas onto which colours can be brought in with extravagantly patterned curtains, wallpaper and cushions.

The Osborne and Little website (www.osborneandlittle.com) features a series of room sets that illustrates very well how soft furnishings can totally transform a room.

Their wallpapers are magnificent, and can be used to create a feature wall, the pattern and texture creating a depth and vitality that cannot be achieved by paint alone.

And finally, if you want to use eco-friendly products to minimise fumes while you are decorating, then check out www.ecohomecentre.co uk or call 029 2037 3094.

Run by Rounded Developments Enterprises, it gives helpful advice and information on a variety of green home topics.

The centre is also running a course on restoring Victorian terraces, starting on March 17.